Inactive account ~ find me on IG Running + Canicross Coach @ukrunchat #ukrunchat
Greater Manchester
Joined January 2010
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Miles with Michelle retweeted
🐉 What does it take to organise one of the toughest mountain races on the planet?
The Dragon's Back Race covers an incredible 380km over six days, with 17,000m of ascent across some of Wales' most challenging terrain.
But earlier this year, the future of this iconic event was in doubt after its previous organisers went into administration.
We chat to Sam from Ultra X, who stepped in to save the race, about what happened, the huge operation involved in delivering the event and why preserving its unique character and community is so important.
We also get an insight into:
🐉 The incredible logistics behind six days of racing.
⛰️ What makes the Dragon's Back such a brutal challenge.
🏕️ Why fewer than 40% of runners finished this year's race.
🏃 The lessons learned from taking over an iconic event.
❤️ The unforgettable moments that make this race so special.
If you're interested in ultra running, mountain racing or the stories behind some of the world's most challenging events, this is one not to miss!
🎧 Listen to the latest UKRunChat podcast now
zencastr.com/z/O4ucuqvm
#ukrunchat
@mileswithshell @ultraxco
Hi all 👋🏻
Just popped in to say hello - I’ve had a break from X because it was like talking into a void and don’t think I’ll be back.
Where is everybody hanging out nowadays?
You can find me on Insta if you want to stay connected: instagram.com/mileswithmiche…
Here’s my 2026 short book reviews - please feel free to leave your own recommendations for me too. I’ll update it each time I finish a book 🙃 📚
We rest our bodies, but do we rest our brains?
Constant noise and overwork impact not just our brain health.
5 tips from a neuroscientist to recharge:
🌳 Forest bathe
💤 Nap to help your brain grow
⏸️ Do nothing, to boost creativity
🎈 Play and be silly
💭 Let your mind wander
ALT Photo of a book by Dr Joseph Jabelli called Why Doing Nothing Can Change Your Life
I don’t normally do mornings but out early with the dog. Views took my breath away this morning - mist hanging low in the valleys and crepuscular rays. Beautiful 😍
Haven’t actually left the house today but still managed to cover almost 15,000 steps. Been doing my summer deep clean so been on the go all day 🤣
14ish miles and 1800 feet climbed today. Very humid, like running in an oven but some lovely moments including very cute calves, a pheasant joining us for a while, and views over to the Lake District, Peak District and Snowdonia #ukrunchat
Saw a sheep chatting to a heron on my run this morning. Wonder what they were saying to one another. #ukrunchat
Trying to spread this word about this new grant. Do you have a group that aims to protect the environment or encourage participation in the outdoors or sport? They have a €1 million fund available - applications open until midday on 30th June. Please share #ukrunchat
Are you a grassroots club, helping people to get physically active and build stronger, more inclusive communities?
The ISPO Impact Foundation has launched a global call for urgent grant applications, opening a 30-day window that closes on June 30, 2026. Backed by an annual €1 million commitment from ISPO, the world’s leading sports and outdoor trade fair, this newly established foundation channels vital funding directly to non-profit organisations delivering real impact on the ground. The fund is designed to harness the power of outdoor recreation and sport as a force for a healthier planet and more active, inclusive communities.
Time is critical for organisations seeking support. Applications are open to charities worldwide for exactly one month, with all submissions due before the June 30th deadline. By backing innovative projects and building partnerships across the sector, the foundation aims to catalyse systemic change, protecting and restoring the natural environments we all depend on while inspiring wider participation for generations to come.
Funding is specifically targeted at two critical areas: Regeneration, which focuses on initiatives that protect and restore the planet's vital natural environments, and Participation, which backs projects that get people physically active and build stronger, more inclusive communities.
Financial support is structured across four distinct levels to meet organisations where they are, offering grants from €2,000 for grassroots groups up to €100,000 for large-scale initiatives with the potential for lasting change.
Links to apply here: ukrunchat.co.uk/funding/
Where is the best seaside town in Great Britain?
My daughter wants to go to the seaside in August, my mum wants me to take her away for a few days.
Where can we travel easily to on the train (from Liverpool or Manchester) where I can entertain a 13yo and a 66yo for 2-3 days?
Lovely route today, led by Poppy dog 🐕 Beautiful day with a cooling breeze on the tops #ukrunchat
This is the elevation profile of my local @parkrun
Still experimenting with best strategy to crack it
Two weeks ago, I had a little walk just before the ‘flat’ bit around 2.5 miles.
This week, I decided to run the whole thing without walking. I was a minute slower 🤣
Looking at my splits for both runs, I set off 15 seconds slower this week for the first mile, hoping to conserve some energy for the uphill. My last mile was exactly the same pace on both runs. Which means not walking cost me 45 seconds 🤯
Still feel like the best strategy is just to go as hard as you can on the downhill, then hang on as long as you can 😅
How would you pace it? #ukrunchat
Enjoyed @parkrun this morning 😊 Such a welcoming environment, with lots of encouragement up the hill and at the finish line ❤️ #ukrunchat
